addictions

Alcohol at school fund raisers is a bad example

The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) recently sent out an open letter to all principals, urging alcohol NOT TO be included at school fund raisers. Dear Principal I am writing to you as Chairman of the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) to formally seek your assistance and co-operation in not permitting the use, [...]

Does DrinkWise have the welfare of our young at heart?

Leading health organisations have criticised the alcohol industry’s DrinkWise organisation for involving young people in what appears to be largely a promotional exercise.  It seems that although DrinkWise claims to be ‘independent', they are in fact heavily involved with the alcohol industry.  DrinkWise is funded by the alcohol industry, and according to its website many [...]

What are the real drinking habits of young people?

A survey of 16-17 year old WA school students found: 43.3% reported ‘One of the main reasons I drink is to get drunk’. 66.3% reported ‘It is ok to get drunk occasionally’. 50.1% reported ‘Drinking is the best way of relaxing’.* During the time it took to conduct the above survey in WA schools, 46,957 [...]

Fame and fortune destroys Cyrus family life

Billy Ray Cyrus regrets the fame and fortune his daughter, Miley, found on the Disney TV show Hannah Montana. He credits the fame, fortune and lifestyle that her celebrity status has led to as a major factor in the breakdown of his own marriage and the destruction of his family life. He told GQ Magazine [...]

The rise and fall of underage drinkers

25% of 14 to 19 year olds put themselves at risk of alcohol related harm each month 70% of 14 to 19 year olds drink alcohol despite being underage* The NSW Ambulance Service has figures indicating that 3 children a day in NSW get so drunk that they need the services of an ambulance. The under-18s treated [...]

“Not Yet” should this be parent’s battle cry against early drinking?

43% teenagers drink to get drunk 66% teenagers think it is OK to get drunk occasionally 50% teenagers drink to relax* What should parents say to their teenagers who want to drink before they turn 18 years old? Research would suggest that their response should be a resounding “not yet”. Rather than the very popular [...]

When life doesn’t imitate art: Charlie Sheen

Warner Bros. Television and CBS produce the highest grossing sitcom on TV in America. Two and a Half Men is also a huge hit in the UK and Australia. It has been nominated for 2 Golden Globes and has won a further 20 awards with over 50 nominations. So you would think then, that this [...]

The youth of yesterday enjoy the Ecstasy of today

3 out of 10 people in their 30s and 40s who previously tried ecstasy have used it in the past year. The arrest of Matthew Chesher, husband of Education Minister Verity Firth, has caused uproar in the NSW Labour party.  Mrs Firth said “My husband has admitted to making a very big mistake. I am [...]

13.5% of commercials on Kids TV are inappropriate

13.5% of commercials on kids TV channels contain some form of violent, disturbing, or sexual behaviour. A recent study Commercials on Children's Television: Not So Child Friendly looked at the association between viewing commercials with aggressive and violent content on children's television with violent and antisocial behaviour later in life. Researchers looked at the content of [...]

Seminar – Scared, sleepless and hostile: Children, violent/frightening media and public policy

The Australian Council on Children (ACCM) and the Media and the Children and Families Research Centre, Macquarie University are holding a one day seminar on Tuesday 1 March 2011 at: NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre 37 Reservoir Street Surry Hills, NSW 2010   Chaired by Professor Alan Hayes Director of the Australian Institute of Family [...]

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